Scotch Bay

Bay in Pembrokeshire

Wales

Scotch Bay

Oil terminal, Popton Point One of the two Texaco piers. — Oil terminal, Popton Point Credit: Richard Webb

Scotch Bay is a picturesque bay located in the county of Pembrokeshire, Wales. Situated on the western coast of the country, it is nestled between the towns of St. Davids and Fishguard. The bay is known for its stunning natural beauty, with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters.

One of the main attractions of Scotch Bay is its pristine beach. The sandy shoreline stretches for approximately two miles, providing ample space for sunbathing, picnicking, and leisurely walks. The beach is also popular among surfers, as the rolling waves offer excellent conditions for water sports.

Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, Scotch Bay offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. The cliffs are home to a variety of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors may spot species such as puffins, razorbills, and guillemots nesting on the cliffs during the breeding season.

The bay is also steeped in history, with remnants of ancient settlements and structures scattered throughout the area. Nearby, the ruins of an Iron Age fort can be explored, providing a glimpse into the region's past.

Scotch Bay is easily accessible by road, with ample parking facilities available. There are also nearby amenities, including cafes, restaurants, and shops, providing convenience for visitors. Whether it's enjoying the beach, exploring the cliffs, or immersing in the rich history, Scotch Bay offers a diverse range of experiences for all who visit.

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Scotch Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.707398/-5.0298631 or Grid Reference SM9005. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Oil terminal, Popton Point

One of the two Texaco piers.

Richard Webb

Tanker, Popton point

Smallish tanker, probably loading with refined products from the Texaco refinery

Richard Webb

Jetty at Hakin

With Milford Haven pilots.

Jennifer Luther Thomas

Hubberston Church

Jennifer Luther Thomas

Across Gelliswick Bay

With the disused Fort Hubberston occupying the headland.

Jennifer Luther Thomas

Tanker "Anna Knutsen" at Texaco oil terminal , Popton point

Mike Graham

What on earth is it?

The streetname gives the game away but there is nothing on the OS map, nor in the Pevsner Architectural Guide, to prepare you for this sight of an early C19 observatory lurking in the middle of a C20 housing estate here in the Milford Haven suburb of Hakin. Although in private ownership it is a Grade One monument.

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

Hakin observatory

This surprising structure can be found nestled cheek by jowl with the modern housing and back-yard clutter that has accumulated around it since it was built by Charles Francis Greville (1749-1809) in the early years of the C19 as part of a planned mathematics, engineering and technical college. Thomas Firminger (1775-1861), previously Assistant to Nevil Maskelyne at Greenwich, was appointed briefly as superintendent. An excellent collection of instruments was assembled, including the celebrated Lee transit circle. The plans were abandoned after Greville's death due to a lack of money and interest and although the observatory was completed, the college itself never came into being.

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

Hakin observatory interior

The observatory consisted of an octagonal two-storey tower with a conical roof and vertical side-slits. The roof and internal structure have fallen in and steel struts have been used to brace the walls. Although it is protected as an ancient monument there is no sign of any attempt to restore this fascinating building (Griff Rees Jones, where are you?).

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

Hakin observatory back view

Squatting amongst casual modern surroundings the observatory has a slightly sinister appearance, like a wartime relic, but in fact its purpose was simply to train naval students in navigation at a time, a decade or so into the C19, when the problem of longitude had not yet been solved and an accurate knowledge the stars was essential for sailors.

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

Seal hospital, Milford dockyard

This is a genuine, fully operational, hospital for seals and other marine life. The outside clearly reveals that the entire building is an example of architectural recycling - i.e it is built into an oil refinery storage tank. Inside the tank is a modern recovery and treatment centre; visitors are welcome: there is normally a sign to indicate whether there are any patients in the hospital. Thanks to Link

for this info. There were no patients on the day I visited.

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

Milford dock looking east

These two huge objects were standing on a barge tied up on the western side of the dockyard; the view between them shows the opposite side with part of Milford town above. The prominent tall building is the Torch Theatre.

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

Fish merchants

There is only a small fishing industry at Milford now - and much of the catch, caught by Spanish fishermen, goes straight to Spain - but in during the first half of the C20 fishing was big business here with work on, and supporting, the trawler fleet, the main occupation for local people: once 'ever day was pay-day' it is said. Fishing stocks declined from the 60's onwards and pollution has been an on-going problem.

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

All dressed up...

West Wales has long been in a state of economic decline and Milford Haven dockyard on Saturday in March is not the liveliest place: there is little going on and few people around to admire you and your dog's best gear. The passing geographer felt this image represented an aspect of human geography. (The dog's jacket says SECURITY, something that many local inhabitants feel is lacking.)

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

Meridian

Survey vessel docked in Milford Haven, alongside Phoenix Bowl leisure complex.

David Luther Thomas

Minerva at the jetty

David Luther Thomas

Oil terminal, Popton Point

Oil tanker moored at the oil terminal off Popton Point, Milford Haven.

Philip Halling

Rhoscrowther: Texaco Oil refinery jetty

An oil product tanker, the deadweight 14,845 tonne Bro Designer, built in 2006 and owned by the Swedish company Broström, is moored alongside the western end of one of the Texaco refinery jetties. Popton Point is the headland behind from which the jetty has been built.

Nigel Cox

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Scotch Bay is located at Grid Ref: SM9005 (Lat: 51.707398, Lng: -5.0298631)

Unitary Authority: Pembrokeshire

Police Authority: Dyfed Powys